The education of young people has been central to the Company's activities since the 16th Century; from apprenticeships in the Mercers' trade, to the foundation of Gresham College, and the ongoing involvement with our 16 associated schools and colleges.

Today, we also have a grant making programme to support wider educational initiatives such as wellbeing in schools.

Young People & Education has four strands: ourAssociated Schools;MentalHealth andWellbeing;Leadership; andSpecialInitiatives.

Special initiatives

Our Special Initiative strands are open throughout the year to organisations meeting the criteria outlined under funding opportunities.

The initiatives aim to:

support families and children in their early years to close the attainment gap;

help young people through challenging transitions and to grow up as ‘active citizens’; and

improve literacy.

Other strands

The projects funded under the Mental Health and Wellbeing and Leadership strands are not open for application but are decided by the Company.We work in partnership with organisations developing projects or programmes of national significance.